THE decade between 1740 and 1750 represents one of the most prolific periods in Handels composing career. It began with Messiah in 1741 and ended with Solomon in 1749, two of his most celebrated works. The years in between gave rise to a further nine oratorios as Handel worked hard to anchor his reputation and impress his patrons while coming to terms with uncertain health. One of these works Joshua was chosen by the Shepshed Singers under musical director Andrew Goff as their contribution to mark the 250th anniversary of Handels death in 1759.

One of Handels lesser known oratorios, Joshua nevertheless contains some irresistible music and one particular chorus See the conquing hero comes, described in the excellent programme note as everyones second most favourite Handel chorus. The work was penned in the wake of the English armys subjugation of the Scottish rebellion at Culloden Moor in 1746 and quite unashamedly, therefore, it celebrates military success.

The Shepshed Singers, joining forces with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra at All Saints with Holy Trinity, rose to the challenge admirably. Listening to the confident, powerful singing of the choir in the triumphant choruses such as Glory to God the sizeable audience might be forgiven for thinking, with some justification, that Handel was at his best when composing these. It is easy to picture him relishing the addition of trumpets and horns to emphasise a dont mess with us weve an unbeatable ally on our side statement! All four sections of the choir came over effectively with the many rapid passages securely managed and well judged emphases being placed on words such as affrighted. There were some really tremendous climaxes and throughout a sense of total involvement in the music. The tenors held their own stoically despite being smallest in number. The sopranos were comfortably the largest section numerically but presented a warm, well disciplined sound. Perhaps the basses could have been crisper at times but this is a minor observation.

By contrast, Handels genius as a composer of the most tender and beguiling melodies, with wonderful word painting, was evident in, for example, the delicious air Hark tis the linnet and the thrush. This was captivatingly sung by soprano Caroline Sharpe whose precise, pure tones reflected her character, the demure Achsah, convincingly. Tenor David Morris had much work to do as Joshua and portrayed this single-minded, rather self-confident individual with consistent firmness. His diction was excellent. Bass Jeremy Leaman as the ageing Caleb would have pleased Handel with his declamatory rendition of the air, See the raging flames arise, another uncompromising peon of praise to military might. A singer, whom I had not heard before, contralto Olivia Barry, took the role of the real hero Othniel. Among the four soloists Olivia communicated most easily with the audience. I liked her relaxed style, clear musical lines and consistently persuasive singing. I hope that we will be able to have the opportunity to listen to her again.

I hand my instrumental accolade to the woodwind section of the Chameleon Arts Orchestra. The players as a whole gave us an assured, well rounded sound but, for me, the woodwind section never faltered. Lest the string section feel hard-done-to let me just say that if payment was based upon the number of notes played, they would be able to retire early! Toward the end of Act two the programme announced flourish of warlike instruments a cue of course for the arrival of the brass players, previously lurking in the wings. They did not disappoint. A word of praise too for the continuo players, giving sensitive support during the recitatives and in the case of the chamber organ, a cohesive underpinning.

This was an altogether convincing example of well rehearsed, committed singing and playing from everyone who took part. Andrew Goff is to be congratulated on his ability to draw out of his performers a consistently polished musical tribute. The joyful final chorus left me, for one, in no doubt that the victorious side were rather pleased (though not surprised) to have won!